*Lillian POV*

~Hey Jude, don't make it bad

Take a sad song and make it better

Remember to let her into your heart

Then you can start to make it better~

I sit in bed hugging a pillow and watch the cold, fall rain hit the window pane in fat, lazy drops.

Trafalgar hasn't been gone to class in three days. Tomorrow is already Friday. What the hell happened to him? Was I too strong willed?

~And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain

Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool

By making his world a little colder~

I pick up the album and squint down at the four gentleman on the cover, "Are you mocking me with your lyrics? I am really struggling with this whole Trafalgar thing. It is not easy to not let that bother me. I put my heart on my sleeve by telling him my past and he took and just turned in into some horrible, mushy, apple sauce. If you are so great and famous what should I do?"

Surprisingly they don't respond. I am just a crazy person talking to an album.

~Hey, Jude don't let me down

You have found her, now go and get her

Remember to let her into your heart

Than you can start to make it better~

"Uggggggh fine yeah British bastards. I go out and do something productive about the situation." I stand up and stretch to the side and crack my back and go over to the record player and pull the needle off the record.

But what am I going to do?

I pick up my phone and tap it against my palm. I had left a few messages already; maybe I should try to call.

I hit his number and wait up for him to pick up.

"You have reach the voicemail box of. . . ." The automatic message starts to play. I swallow the lump in my throat and wait for the beep, "Ummm. . Hey Trafalgar. You haven't been to class in a few days and I am just wondering if you are okay. If you miss anymore of school, I probably will have to start tutoring you. Heh. I. . just. . . I am sorry that I upset you. Just please call me back or message me. We have to go to Luffy's party tomorrow. You promised me remember. I am really looking forward to it. Sorry I'll stop rambling. Bye."

I hang up the phone and stare at the screen for a while. Dumbass should call a girl back. Don't you know you are not supposed to make a girl worry.

I heavy emptiness sits low in my stomach.

My mind starts to replay all of the dumb things that I said to him, making my body squirm and feel claustrophobic.

I clap my hand to the side of my face, trying to prevent myself from falling into a forlorn mood.

I need to get out of here and clear my mind.

I throw my school sweater on over my t-shirt, lace up my blue converse, grab my fuchsia raincoat and transparent plastic umbrella and head out the door.

The smell of rain fills my nose and as I watch the rain slide down my umbrella.

I smile to myself already feeling better.

I start to walk through the rain. Where was I going? No where. Just letting my feet decide; taking in my surrounds.

A young girl with her dark locks up in her pig tails with frog rain boots, splashes in puddles giggling and grinning like mad up to her parents.

A young woman waits under an awning looking worried, but her face morphs with relief as a young gentleman greets her with a peck on a cheek and a charcoal umbrella.

A sorrowful smile fills my face.

Could I have that now? Now that my farther is gone. What was standing in my way?

I horde of vibrant pink feathers appear in my mind. I shake my head and clutch my fist.

I can do this! So what if he was a high powered business man. I am intelligent women. I know how to kick some ass. I already made my way into the company. It is only a matter of time until I see some of the nasty things that happen. Take picture, go to court, try not to get killed. . . .

My self-confidence slowly deflates like a balloon. I stare hard at my feet. Could I really do this? Was it okay for me to ask help of those a barely knew?

"Hey stop that man!" An authoritative voice yells out.

I snap my head up and sure enough a shady looking guy in a grey jump with blue pin stripes, with matching headband, was sprinting toward we with a purse in his hand.

Average height, skinnier, distracted by the two men in uniform chasing after him. 20 feet away.

Everyone was quickly moving out of the way. Everyone but me.

15. 10. 5.

I drop my umbrella and let the rain refresh my face. The criminal doesn't see me as a threat and tries to step around me. I quickly shadow his movement and drive a fist into his stomach.

His eyes bug out of his head as he turns towards me in disbelief.

Before he has time to regain himself I am on the ground sweeping his legs out from underneath him.

I spin back into a ready position as I hear his head connect with the cement.

Footsteps pound to a halt as I sweep the wet hair off of my cheeks just in time to see a blonde police officer with a pineapple haircut, cuff the criminal and read him his Miranda rights.

"Damn miss you really kicked his ass now didn't you."

I turn my head and am met with a familiar face full of freckles, "Ace?" I huff out. I give him a once over. He looked like he was born to wear that uniform. It showed off his muscular arms, broad shoulders, strong chest, toned but. . . I shake myself from the thought.

His face perks up like an excited dog, "Lily!" He crushes me into a giant bear hug, "Maybe you should drop out of medical school and join the police force with moves like that."

I laugh, picking up my umbrella, "I was in a few martial arts clubs undergrad." I wave my hand in front of my face, "It's no big deal. He was just a petty thief; not like I was in harm's way."

His laughter booms, "You should tell Luffy that you fight! He would probably love for you to join his crew at their dojo!" He squeezes my biceps, "You're a strong girl. No one would stand a chance against you."

My face heats up with all the flattery, "I am not really in top condition to be fitting right now."

He furrows his eyebrows at me. I unzip my jack and lift up my sweatshirt and reveal the bandage wrapped around my stomach figuring there no reason to hide anything from a police officer, "I had surgery a while ago. I already reopened my stitches once."

Before he can ask what happened a squad car pulls up beside him. The blonde pokes his head out, "Ace stop harassing the poor girl we have work to do." He looks around Ace and gives me a polite smile, "Thank you for stopping him for us. You made our work a lot easier." I nod and tell him it was no problem.

"I am not harassing her Macro; she is a friend." He turns to me, "That reminds me. I am going to talk to the chief about your situation. Do you want to meet up after I get off work and discuss our plan of action?"

My heart beats giddily. I was finally making progress, "That sounds perfect. Just text me where and when you want to meet up."

He shoots me a huge candid smile, "Sounds good! Later street fighter!"

A giggle escapes lips, "See you later!"

I twirl my umbrella and almost skip back to my apartment. Silently thanking the Beatles for making me come out today.

*Ace POV*

"Who is the petite brunette that saved your ass from being chewed out by the pops again?" Marco interrogates me as we drive to back to the station.

A small irk mark forms on my forehead, "One: I would have caught that perp without her help. She just got to him first. Two: you know I am old man's favorite. He just likes to keep me on my toes."

I physically feel Marco roll his eyes, "That doesn't answer my question who the girl is. She was cute. Potential girlfriend? "

I caress Marco's knee and stare at him with a loving gaze, "You know you are the only one for me sweetie. I would never betray you."

All the earns me is a death glare and a harsh flick to the forehead, "Freaking perv. God I need to find a girlfriend and move the hell out. Remind me why I am your friend again."

I rub my forehead chuckling, "Ha it's my charm!"

I change gears to a more serious tone, "This is actually only the second time that I met her. She is a new friend of Luffy. The one I talked to you about back at our place a couple nights ago."

A serious expression covers his face, "The one that is involved with the Bird?"

I nod shortly, "Still gonna help me out with it man?"

Marco grips with steering wheel, "I will try to help you but it is all up to the old man. Trying to go after that man has never been fruitful before. People we have sent in before never came out. It is going to be hard to convince the old man that that girl is somehow better than a trained officer."

I run a hand through my damp hair, "I know, but there is something about her. Another one of Luffy's friend got caught up with the Bird and she was dead set on trying to save him. I am not sure how the two are connected but man she got Luffy and his crew fired up. I am guessing the two have a similar past, similar pain."

We pull into the parking lot of the police station, "You don't have to convince me. It's Whitebeard you have to convince.

I clap a hand on his shoulder, "Thanks man glad. I can count on you."

-after work hours-

I tap on the door frame to the old man's office. "Hey Whitebeard do you have some time? I would like to propose something to you."

"This better be important Ace. If you waste my time I am going to station you as a mall cop somewhere." He strokes his long white mustache, as his large GI Joe body leans back into his desk chair.

I chuckle; slightly nervous, but I knew that he was joking. He always took everyone's ideas under consideration. "I want to try a different approach to capturing Doflamingo."

He gestures for me to sit down, "You know we haven't had any luck in with that case. What makes you think that your approach is any different?"

I crack my knuckles "I met a girl. She is a medical student over at Marineford. She was at the Sunny a few days back. She told me that Doflamingo slipped her a bottle of narcotics after one of her performances."

He places a large hand on his chin rubbing it, "She would just disappear like the other witnesses if we tried to make an arrest. What makes her different?"

"She is Doflamingo's personal assistant and receptionist on the weekends. When we were out on our shift today we watched her kick a thief's ass that was running toward her. The girl is fearless. Marco can attest to that." I clutch my hands on my pants starting wondering where pops was going with it.

"Is he right Marco?" Our captain simply states, knowing Marco was lurking in the shadows. Marco turns the corner to the door and leans against its frame, "I watched it with my own eyes. She defiantly has a martial arts back ground."

"Does the girl have a name?" Whitebeard's eyes flickers between us.

"Hayashi Lillian." I state confidently.

Whitebeard quietly turns to his computer. I become slightly offended, "She is not a criminal old man."

He addresses both of us almost instantly, "She has been involved in over a dozen of domestic abuse cases."

Marco and I exchange uneasy glances. I step behind pops watching him open up file after file.

My voice barley reaches a whisper, "These files date back since she was in kindergarten."

I slowly watch a child with terrified eyes girl grow into a young adult with the same expression. Every single file has pictures of laceration, broken bones, ugly discolored bruises. Each picture worse than the next.

Anger bubbles in my stomach, "What the hell took them so long to arrest her abuser!?"

Marco scans the computer, "Looks like the abuser was her father and the mother would always back up his stories whenever their daughter called. Mother was abused too. Seems like the daughter eventually tricked her dad into beating her when her laptop camera was rolling. She broke three ribs and needed stitches above her eye the skin was split open so bad."

"Both her parents are passed on now it seems. One from cancer. One from infection due to rejection of a transplanted liver." Whitebeard deep voice states slowly.

Liver transplant? Her bandage stomach comes back into view. My words came out slow like molasses, "That happened just a month ago."

Whitebeard affirms my statement with a nod, "Still think that this girl is a good choice Portgus? You know why we never send women in as double agents with Doflamingo."

I grit my teeth trying not to think about it, "She can do it."

Whitebeard, "Why do you. . ."

"Hello? Ace?" A small voice comes from the front.

Whitebeard gives a defeated sigh, "That is her isn't it."

I give him a large grin, "Yup."

Marco just shakes his head with a chuckle as I bound out of the room to meet the small brunette, "Lily!"

Her gaze reaches past me, "I am not early am I? It looks like you are in a meeting."

As she turns away a scar above her right eyes catches my eye. My stomach drops to the floor. I knew that the police reports weren't a lie but having proof they were accurate made me it all more real.

I pull her into a tender hug now aware of her wounds, resting my chin on her head, "I want you to talk to Whitebeard to help me convince him you are what we need to take down Doflamingo."

Large jade eyes turn up to me. I can feel her shake in my arms, "Okay. You can count on me."

Her eyes were full of confidence but her body was contradicting the statement.

How could someone with her past put up such a strong front?

*Lillian POV*

I inhale deeply and step into the captain's office.

Captain Whitebeard was an intimidating man. His large body seemed to take up the entire room, his face was etched with wrinkles carved by experience, and he had calculating dark brown eyes.

"Please have a seat Miss Hayashi." The kindness in his voice surprises me.

"Thank you sir." A slip into a chair across from him, Ace sits down next to me giving my hand a quick, reassuring squeeze, and Marco stays resting on the door frame.

I swallow hard as the captain starts to speak, "Why do you want to take down Doflamingo?"

My legs start to bounce. Will this man actually take me seriously? "Too be honest sir I have only been in town for about two weeks, but in that two weeks I have seen what Doflamingo has done to people's life. My friend Trafalgar's life has completely fallen apart. He lost his family and shortly after accepting a job at the Doflamingo cooperation he stopped talking to his friends all together. I know that seems just like a coincident but as soon as I told him I was applying for a job there; he did everything in his power to stop me. Told me the only way of protecting his friends was not communicating with them."

"Are you doing this just simply to save a new friend of yours?" His eyes stare at me hard as if he was trying to judge whether my heart was pure or not.

I refuse to break his gaze, "Not only that but I know the amount of influence he has over people. He looms over you and you feel indebted to him even if he hasn't done anything for you. The first night I met him, he knew my weakness and exploited it."

"And what would that weakness be Miss Hayashi?" His eyes challenge me to back down.

I refuse to even if it meant digging my fingernails into my palms, "I have been abusing prescription drugs for around 6 months sir. The first night that I met him he slipped me a bottle of narcotics."

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Marco's lip quirk up into a smirk.

"When was the last time you took any?" Whitebeard inquires.

I don't hesitate, "Saturday evening I took three Percocet before Trafalgar stitched my stomach back up. I was clumsy and tripped over my feet, popping a few sutures in my liver transplant incision."

Whitebeard folds his hands, "Are you aware of that there have been female victims that have been coming into the department saying that Doflamingo has sold them into the sex trade? Are you aware that there have been multiple students with O negative blood waking up missing internal organs in the area? Most of them female."

A memory flashes back: "On three conditions. I can ask you whatever question I want and you have to answer them, if in a month I am bored of you I can leave and if you tell me your blood type."

I bite down and grind my back teeth.

I'll worry about that later.

I move to the edge of my chair my voice low and stubborn, "My past hasn't been so hot and I am sure the police of all people know that. I can endure for a few more months. Plus, even if they wanted to dice me up, they can't take anything thing. I am missing too many parts. I am sure they are not going to start killing students now; it would draw too much attention."

The three men in uniform all boom with laughter causing me to jump. Was I really that much of a joke?

Marco claps his hands on Ace's shoulder, "Well she is honest I'll give you that."

Whitebeard gives me a large smile, "You sound like you already belong in this unit. Driven, stubborn, and an intelligent mind, but you are not really in the condition to performing any kind of covert operations. You are untrained and not in prime physical condition. It would be irresponsible for the department to put someone like that in the field."

I stand and solemnly bow, "I understand. Thank you for your time."

Whitebeard turns away in his leather office chair, "Ace. Marco. I would like to remind you that if any information about a case is given to someone not involved the department could get into serious trouble, but that's only if it came back to me. You two would never be that careless now would you?"

My eyes grow wide and I turn to Ace who is grinning like an idiot.

Still turned in his chair, "On an unrelated note, Ace I heard your brother's dojo got first in another tournament. However, I heard they are looking for more women so when they compete they can take the championship for both men and women. Maybe you should be a better brother and help him out."

Ace salutes, "Yes sir!"

I bow tears almost brimming my eyes, "Thank you sir."

He turns so I can see a half smile, "You are not allowed to do anything until you are 100 percent. You just became part of this family we can't lose you already. Now go and rest up."

I nod speechless and step out to meet Ace wiping heavy tears from my eyes.

Warm hands cup my face, "Hey now Bambi why the big alligator tears?"

All I could do was smile a messy tear soaked smile, "He called me family."

Marco scruffs my hair, "That's right and if anyone messes with our little sister we will make sure they don't see the light of day."

I couldn't remember the last time I felt this happy. Luffy's crew and Whitebeard's crew had taken me in with open arms. For the first time since I could remember. I felt safe.

For now.

Ace and I step out into the cool evening air. Ace leans on an old black Pontiac Trans Am that I can only assume is his, "Want to go over to The Sunny and we can talk about it more?"

College girls with O negative blood have gone missing. Those words were screaming in my head. I couldn't even stay happy when Whitebeard called me family because of that rat bastard.

A large hand is waved in front of my face, "Earth to Lillian. Are you there?"

A jerk my head over to him, "Can you just take me home for the night? There is something I need to take care of."

Ace looks taken aback from my mood shift, "Hey what's the matter? You had a pretty little smile moments ago."

"I . . . I don't want to talk about it," I answer cowardly.

Ace's eyes remind me of a kicked puppy.

I bite the inside of my cheek. Ace took me in without a second thought. I never had any real friends before Ace and his brother. I didn't realize how much the guilt would consume me so much and I barely knew them.

I let my body act on its own and I wrap my arms around Ace's toned torso and bury my face in his chest and mumble I am sorry into his uniform.

A moment of slight hesitation passes before Ace pulls me closer and strokes my hair. I feel his chest heave with a heavy sigh, "Lily. No one here is going to hurt you. I know the words might sound empty to you but you can trust Whitebeard, Marco, and my kid brother and his crew. You can trust me. So whenever you want to talk about it we are all here for you."

I plaster on a fake smile, "I know. It is just a suspicion. I don't want to make a false accusation. I need to be a good police officer right?"

Ace appears anything but convinced but lets it go, "I'll let you win just this once, but I am giving you a ride home."

I give him a small thank you and slip into his car, my nose quickly filling up with the smell of the black leather anterior.

He cranks the key and revs the engine cause the hair on the back of my neck to stand up. Part of me secretly wanting to race down the roads and not look back.

He rests a hand on the gear shift, "Alright Columbus. Where are we off to?"

I swallow hard the determination returning to my body, my eyes fill with red.

I answer sharp and venomous, "Thriller Bark and 2nd."

*Luffy POV*

"Hey did you guys find anything good yet? I'm bored! I want to fight already!" I complain with my chin resting on the table.

Nami's voice is doing that thing where it is calm but very very scary, "You know it is not that easy to find things about an incriminating company that has the most intelligent minds in area working for them."

Franky runs a large hard through his electric blue hair, "I have been trying to hack in for hours. The security system is top of the line. Luffy said Ace was coming over, maybe we can ask him what the police know."

Sanji stubs out a cigarette, "I know it has only been a few days but, trying to find research this way isn't working. We just know the basics. Doflamingo's parents died in a house fire when he was 8. He revived the family business as one of the counties youngest business man. His mute brother joined him shortly after. The Doflamingo Cooperation umbrellas over anything medical: hospitals, clinics, pharmaceuticals, experimental facilities, and medical technologies. Also we know that they have fantastic lawyers because any even hint of controversy has been shut down. The cooperation is air tight."

"Law and Lily got in though. Why can't that be enough?" I puff my cheeks.

Zoro thumps his black leather boot on the table, "I am just gonna say it cause no one else it. Maybe we should get help from other sources."

Our small doctor looks up concerned form one of his massive textbook, "But I thought we agreed to try to avoid those people so Luffy could join the police force with his brother. If he got caught, he would be arrested with major consequences."

Zoro, Sanji, and I exchange knowing glances, smiling devilish at each other.

Robin gives a small closed eyed smile, "Looks like they already made their decision Chopper. You will lead us to victory as always. . . Captain."

"Shishishishi. You bet!" I jump up and down clapping my hands with anticipation. "I can't wait to fight again. Being good has been too much work."

"Yohohoho. Looks like I will be your manager again. Shall I take care of the books too?" Brook joins me in my pumped up dance.

"What if you get hurt again Luffy?" Nami's eyes cascade down.

I kneel in front of her resting my hands on her knees. Stroking them with my thumbs, "You know I am the strongest! Plus if you are there I can't lose. You are my good luck charm."

Her face quickly matches the color of her hair. Shishishi. It was cute when that happens.

She sighs resting a finger on her temple, "Fine I will help. On one condition. You let me hand the books again." Her eyes turn gold with greed. "And I small percentage of the winnings of course." She sticks her tongue out with a wink.

"There goes half my winnings again. Money grubbing woman." Zoro grumbles.

"Hey leave my Nami-swan alone! Someone with her beauty should be showered with gifts!" Sanji marches over and slams a hand on the table in front of Zoro leaning in with a snarl, "But a marimo like you wouldn't know how to treat women."

The two continue to bicker as usual.

"Honey I am home!" My brother's shout was drowned out by the arguing. He marches over the two and wrenches them apart, "Oi. Clam down or get a room. You can cut the sexual tension in here with a knife."

"Well the hell do you mean by that?" The two retort in unison. Staring daggers at my brother.

The crew explodes with a knowing laughter and the two separate faster than light.

I peer around my brother, "I thought Lily was with you?"

Ace spins a chair around a sits, "She said she had something important to do, so I dropped her off on 2nd and came over."

Usopp quirks up an eyebrow, "I am pretty sure she lives on 6th. That's where I dropped off Chinese when she was with Law. The apartment was too girly and put together to be his."

"But why. . ?" My brother starts ponder the information but I interrupt rubbing my nose, "I can't believe you guys don't remember. That is Traffy's place."

"Don't act so smart! You were the only one that went over there! He always came here or was at The Yellow Submarine." Zoro barks at me.

Robin soothing voice stops the argument, "I think the real question is why is she there?"

Nami waves a hand in front of her face, "He probably said some stupid, don't worry about it. You know he can push people's buttons."

Ace doesn't seem convinced, "Maybe. . . I'll message her later. Make sure she is okay."

Chopper closes his book with a soft thump, "You're worried too? The whole crew has been trying to figure out what is going on with Doflamingo so we can get Lily and Law out asap. We were actually hoping you could help."

I watch my brother ruffle his hair, "I wish I could help you more but it has been really hard to build a case against him. Like I said the other night, weird things happen to those people. They just move away without a memory of what happened or come up with some lame excuse how the falsely accused him. The bureau thinks he is threatening them or maybe have come up with some sort of medication."

Brook sips some tea, "Chopper is something like that even possible?"

He fiddles with the side of his book, "Hypothetically yes. If they research a way to denature the protein actin in the hippocampus."

I blink clueless. Chopper try again, "Hippocampus is the long-term memory storage in the brain. Actin builds pathways that help people remember things. When actin attaches in the brain, that's what forms a memory. If people found a way to prevent the connection, it would stop someone from remembering."

Chopper rubs the back of his head, "It is really hard to explain and the process is risky because it is hard to pin point the exact memory, usually creates large memory gaps. Ace has there been any memory lapses with victims?"

Ace rest his hand on his chin, "Not that we have notice but it might have been covered up my Doflamingo's dogs. Paid them off or blackmail them. I'll bring it up to pops. Thanks Chopper that's really helpful."

His eyes sparkle, "Your thanks doesn't make me happy you idiot!"

"Oh!" My brother's head bounces up in realization, "Do any of you have O negative blood?" I open my mouth to ask but my brother waves me off, "You are good Luffy. You are B positive."

Our cook runs his long fingers through his hair, "Yeah I do. What of it?"

Ace laces his fingers and rest it on his chin, "If it is only you Sanji we don't have much to worry about. I don't want to worry the ladies but there has been a lot of college women with O negative blood waking up in the morning missing organs."

Nami hands are clasps against her mouth, "Oh my god that is awful."

I glance out the corner of my eye, "Hey Franky."

"Already pulled it up captain." He salutes adorning one of his blue star tattoos.

Usopp cocks his head to the side staring at his screen, "What are you. . . OH NO! LILLY IS O NEGATIVE! What is she gets targeted? What if she gets killed? What is Doflamingo wants her heart? What if Law is the one going to cut her open? He could be the culprit!" He squishes his long nose against Franky's cheek. His hands clutched Franky's Hawaiian shirt jerking him back and forth.

My brother stands up quickly knocking over his chair. Cursing under his breathe, he rushes to the door.

A fire burns in my stomach, "Traffy wouldn't do that! He saved me from dying. Why would he kill people?"

My brother doesn't turn around. His shaggy black hair hangs in his face, "I am sorry Luffy. I don't know him as well as you do." After that he rushes out the door.

I sit in solemn silence. Did my brother not trust me. Jerk better have a good reason.

"Guys." Franky's deep voice grabs our attention. "Even if someone wanted to take her organs, they couldn't. She doesn't have any to take."

With that everyone grouped around the computer and watch Lily's past materialize.

*Law POV*

The past two days have been murder.

Doflamingo had it out for me. For the past few days, he told over half the surgeons to take a break and let me handle the patients. If that is not bad enough, I only received half my normal wage which Doflamingo quoted as generous.

I glance down at my hand that now, of course, had a glass of bourbon in it. Every time, even if I caught a centimeter in the corner of my eye, my hands appeared stained liquid ruby.

I swallow what is left in my glass, feeling the delightful burn down the back of my throat.

With some effort, I hoist myself up and stumble over to the sink.

My glass makes a soft clink against the granite counter top. After that I run my hand under scalding water with the sliver of soap that had yet to disintegrate.

BBBBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZZT. BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBZZZZZZZZZZT. BBBBBBBBBZZZZZZZZZZZZT.

I roll my eyes. Someone must have locked themselves out again.

It takes me two tries but I jam the button eradicating the displeasing noise.

I make my way to the bathroom to take a piss because what else do you do after drinking ungodly amounts of alcohol. After I wash my hands my eyes travel around my naked torso to a blotchy sickly yellow and purple area on my ribs and engulfing my eye.

I grip the side of my sink at the thought of the flamingo bastard and even worse his brother.

As I was walking out of the hospital today I say those black feathers disappearing around the corner.

I glare at my reflection in the mirror and watch as it slowly morphs into the shaggy blonde bastard's face.

With no restraint I punch the mirror destroying the murderer's face.

I travel back to the couch returning to nurse my drink. My eyes slowly being dragged down by its warm embrace.

The constant memory played in my head every day. Taunting me. Blaming me for my parent's deaths.

Rubbing my good eye and let sleep take me. Hoping there was a slight chance I would avoid a nightmare.

A lanky, raventte slowly wanders the streets with an orange sunset hanging low behind him. This day every year was the hardest for him. Three years ago to the day his baby sister past away. It hit the whole entire family hard. Both parents unable to work for months from grief, quickly dwindling their savings, threatening the family into bankruptcy. But eventually his parents pulled through with the mentality that their daughters memory should not be tainted by tears but celebrated with smiles. The golden eyed boy did not take it as well. He drowned his sorrows in liquor and eventually found his way to The Grandline. His parents noticed the bruises and broke bones but the messy hair boy just plastered on a smile and said he would get help. For the first time in three years something changed in the depressed young man. A simple bouquet of tiny, blue Forget My Nots; his baby sisters favorite flower. He rushed into the flower shop snatched the bouquet of flower and slammed a twenty on the counter not carrying his was over paying. While he sprinted home tears flooded the corner of his eyes. Silently apologizing to his parents over and over again.

It was too late. Their family's modest tutor home was engulfed in flames; firefighters littered the front yard. He searched desperately on the lawn to find his parents but life was cruel. Denial consumed his whole being; flowers slipping from his long fingers. He rushed toward the fire; too numb to feel the intense heat on his face. A fireman tries to stop him but he planted a swift kick the fireman's side and he rushed to the back yard toward the kitchen patio. He desperately screamed his parents name with a voice hoarse from tears. When he reached the back, he was greeted by a man stomping on his black feather coat. The shaggy blonde hair man draped his seared coat back over his shoulders and lit a cigarette. The older man's copper eyes stared at the younger man with remorse. Before the ranvenette could ask any questions, the man engulfed in black feather knocked him out.

The next day at the hospital, a man in uniformed told him the house fire was an accident. There was a gas leak from the stove and when someone lit up a cigarette everything blew. The boy's black eyebrows furrowed and he asked how they knew it was a cigarette. The cops explained how they found a scorched lighter in the living room.

Bugs felt as if they were crawling under the boy's tan skin.

He grew up in a medical family everyone knew better than to smoke.

This wasn't an accident.

*Lillian POV*

When I reach the door that corresponded with the buzzer number, I knock surprised to find it start to swing open when my first rapped it.

"Trafalgar? Are you okay?" My voice almost echoed in the quaint apartment. The angry dissipated and filled with fear. What if something happened? I was angry but I didn't want him hurt. . . well by anyone else but me.

As I walk in I kick off my shoes into the coat closet in front of me and wandering my way into the kitchen on the right.

His apartment had an open concept to it. Wooden cabinets with granite counters tops lined the outside wall and stop when it reached the far side of the apartment. There was a square four-person cedar table just before the living area. All of them were littered with liquor bottles.

A tired smile pulls on my lip. Just like old time huh?

A soft snore from the couch makes my ears perk up. I maneuver may way around bottles and find a very shirtless, defiantly only in black boxers, Trafalgar.

My eyes trace the strange heart tattoo that consumed his whole chest. The lines were thick and purple. Starting from apex of the heart there was five leaf shape designs going up each side. When the head rounder at the top three flame shaped lines, each growing smaller as they grew closer to the center. To finish the lined curled in finishing off the top of the heart, however the curls were unable to connect due to the fact there was a very familiar smiley face in between them.

Heat rose to my face; unsure how long I have been staring at a passed at Trafalgar.

Quickly I adverted my eyes, landing on a red pool of blood. Blood.

I jerk my head above it and notice Trafalgar hand is all torn up by glass. If that wasn't worse enough sickly yellow, purple bruised consumed his right eye and his lower right quadrant.

I silently slip my hand under his and examine his hand further. There were mirror shards and they couldn't stay.

Dancing around the shattered mirror, I grab a first aid kit, and some towels from the bathroom.

I wipe up the floor and cozy up to the brown leather couch and start to clean his wounds. Mentally, I kick myself. This happens every time. You can't stay angry at injured people. Even when dad got hurt I patched him up then fume at him.

Trafalgar starts to stir.

"Don't squirm. I am trying to wrap your hand." I scold him.

"Lami?" He calls out gruffly, eyes glazed over.

"No it me Lil..." I am cut off by a tight, desperate hug.

I can feel my cheek become wet, "I know this is just another dream tricking me that your still here, but just let me enjoy this for a moment longer." His voice was choked by tears.

Who is Lami? Is she dead or just gone? Why is Trafalgar crying? He is crying!

All I can do is hug back and allow myself to be surrounded by the pungent smell of alcohol.

"Hey it is alright." I rub his back in soothing circles. "I am here."

He grabs my shoulder and stares straight through my eyes as if he was staring deep into someone else, "Sis nothing it okay right now. I still have nightmares about mom and dad burning in our house and you dying hooked up to those machines."

I tilt my head and play along, "But don't you have friend that can help you?"

He sharply shakes my shoulder, "You know I can't do that. They could die. You know Doflamingo would kill them if they found out about him! Anyone that gets in his way dies. You should know that better than anyone Lami."

I am speechless. Did Doflamingo kill his family?

He groans running his hand throw his hair, "But there is this one awful girl. I can't get her out of my head. She wants to helps so bad. I don't understand how she has had such a shitty past, does not run from danger. I have warned he so many times but what does she do? Gets a job with Doflamingo. Why does she want to help me so bad? I don't deserve to be helped. Not after what I have done to all of those girls."

That confirmed my suspicions but the slight sympathy I felt, forced me from punching his good eye. "Why not her?" I press.

A shadow of a smile appears on his lips, "I planned on it but even before I knew she was missing parts I just couldn't. She is the most brilliant girl I have met. She is intelligent, mature, kind, teases right back, and her voice is just enchanting. Plus, even if people think she is plan looking she is the most beautiful girl I've met. I wish she would stay out of this. She deserves better that this. Than me."

He thought all of these things about me? He barely knew me.

Emotions ripped through me. What if this was drunk him talking? What if it meant nothing? How the hell do I feel?

Luckily there was a pound on the door. I squeeze Trafalgar's hand, "Wash up and get ready for bed. I'll me in in a minute."

He just nods like a sad five-year-old.

I open his door and am met, once again, with a freckled face, "Ace why are you here?"

He grabs my shoulders and spins me around, "Why are you here? Are you okay? Where is Law?"

I remove his hands from my shoulders and giggle, "I am fine. Trafalgar was drunk texting me weird messages all night. I just came over to make sure he didn't choke on his own vomit."

Ace leans in hovering protectively over me, "I don't think you should trust him Lillian. I don't think is as good of guy as my brother thinks he is. He works for Doflamingo after all."

I cross my arms, "Yes and so do I. I know you have a reason to worry but Trafalgar is not a bad person just has had a shitty life. If anything goes bad, I will call my knight and shining armor." I give him a little wink.

Ace's body was still ridged, "Promise?"

A hug his warm chest, "Promise."

A crash comes from behind me. I roll my eyes and salute Ace, "Duty calls. Good night Ace.

His voice was small and unsure, "Good Night Lily." Closing the door on him was one of the hardest things I have ever done.

I sprint to Trafalgar's room and notice a lamp knocked off a night stand but Trafalgar successfully passed out on top of his sheets. After I pick his lamp up, I make my way to clean up all of the glass and bottles.

When I am done an evil grim forms on my face. Even though I understand you more now, does not mean I am any less angry at you.

So I do what any rational girl would be and poured all of his liquor down the drain. No pills for me than no liquor for you.

I made my way back to his room with a victorious bounce in my step.

I lift Trafalgar's shoulder, "Okay drunky let's get you under at least the comforter."

He groans as he shifts, stupidly to his right, bruised side.

I give him one last hard look. What happened to you? Do I tell him about this tomorrow?

I turn to leave but a hand grabs my sweatshirt, "Lami stay with me until I fall asleep. Let me enjoy this as long as I can."

Sighing I peak over to him. His hair was ruffled and his swollen eye was heavily with sleep mixed with desperation; He looked like a sad, abused puppy.

Don't you dare. Don't stare here. This could be some elaborate scheme.

The memory of last time we slept together creeps into my mind, slowly . . quickly. . convincing me to stay. I have been hurt in worse ways. If one more person is an asshole to me so be it.

Deep down I knew that everything Trafalgar said in his drunken stupor was true. He wouldn't lie to his sister. I think.

"Fine but I am stealing boxers as sleeping shorts." Already rummaging through his drawer choosing a red silky pair giggling to myself that he owned them.

I blush, "Are your eyes closed."

I can feel Trafalgar roll his eyes, "I am not a perv. Of course they are."

Quickly I change and take of my sweatshirt reveal a simply white v neck T-shirt.

When I step to the side of the bed he lifts the comforter inviting me in.

I snuggle in and claim one of the pillow as my own and turn on my side to face Trafalgar.

A genuine smile fills his face making his puffed up eye squint all the way closed. He reaches an arm around me and cradles the back of my head, pressing his lips lightly on my forehead, "Thank you for humoring me a little longer Lami. I love you so much. I miss you and our parents every day."

Pink creeps to my cheeks, "We miss you every day too."

A tattoo hand intertwines with mine, "Good night Lami."

A squeeze his hand, tears streaming down my face, "Good night."

Sleep swallows him quickly but I just study his sleeping face wiping tears from my eyes.

His love for his sister brought me to tears. This man could have a pure heart, but my mom said my dad was a good man.

My heart ached from pain and want.

All I could do was hope.

Fin! Thanks for being patient while I am trying to survive through college.

I started writing this chapter with different intentions and it took a different, better turn!

I hope you all like it. Please give a girl some input.

What do you think about my little Usopp the prophet moment?

Ace caring big brother or love interest?

I would really like some opinion on what Bepo human form should look like and what Lillian should wear to a Halloween party. Thanks

Vote, Like, Share, Do the things!

Thank you wonderful people!